US Indicts 2 Chinese Nationals in Alleged Hi-Tech Scam

U.S. prosecutors in Oregon have unsealed criminal indictments against two Chinese nationals for their alleged attempts to illegally acquire sensitive technology that can be used in missile and radar systems.

The 12-count indictment names Wan Li Yuan and an unidentified accomplice using the alias Jason Jiang, and says they conspired to violate U.S. export regulations through smuggling and money laundering. A U.S. statement Tuesday said both suspects conducted the scam from China and continue to live there.

Prosecutors say the suspects created false identities in a plot to mislead a U.S. company into selling it electronic components that can operate at extreme temperatures. Additionally, the suspects are charged with creating a fake Website and e-mail addresses to make it appear they represented a legitimate New York-based company.

U.S. authorities say they seized $414,000 in funds allegedly sent by one of the suspects as a downpayment on the military-grade technology.